?

Tommy gave the apartment a dismissive wave, ''Yeah, yeah, I know how to read. I mostly check the obituaries, though. See if any o' my MEALS end up in them. Hah! Mostly nobodies, though.''

They didn't want to confuse him with any more instructions, so they left off the advice of depending on four footed mammals, if possible. Also, it was bright outside, and they had no wish to remain any longer in this man's smelly apartment. Golden asked Tommy the time, as he noticed a large gold watch on his wrist.

''Uh, three o'clock,'' he grunted. Goldie begged, ''Can we use some of your newspapers for a shield against the sun?'' Fortunately, it would never occur to the man he'd been brought here while the sun was shining. ''Yeah, yeah. I'll clean this shit hole up SOME day . . .''

Once outside, it was hard to decipher what they were seeing in the full brilliance of sunlight. They made out some signs, a subway was near. They went down into the subway, and examined the maps posted on its wall. Sonya exclaimed, ''We're in New York City! Can we get to the Metropolitan Museum of art from here?'' She studied the maps and learned in two train rides, one transfer, they could arrive close to there. They were currently in the Bronx. At first they would board the D-Line and transfer to the C-Line at 145th St. After that, they would exit at 86th St. and it was their choice as to which risked the least sun exposure: waiting for an M-86 Crosstown bus or walking three blocks to 82nd St. and Fifth Avenue, where the museum was located

''Let's go,'' a excited Goldie exclaimed.

While in between trains, Goldie noticed some nearby phones, and called home, collect.

Goldie and Sonya opted for walking the three blocks, keeping in the shadows created by tall buildings as much as possible. The newspapers would be held carefully when not so shadowed. They arrived at the museum in the late afternoon. Through nearly shut eyes, they could see the wide steps and four tall thick columns of its impressive exterior. A special exhibition on "Leonardo da Vinci, Master Draftsman" drew their attention, and they went there first. Seven rooms were devoted to his beautiful drawings. Goldie exclaimed on the vitality of a 'Rider on a Rearing Horse Trampling on a Fallen Foe', ''The energy of the man and horse, you can FEEL it!''

They were also impressed with the details in those of older people's faces. One of a 'Head of Man in Profile Facing to the Left' bore a hook nose. Sonya laughed, ''Not as big as Sebby's hook!'' Goldie smiled, ''It was ALMOST going to be that big! Look at the shadow line of his first sketch. See how large this man's nose might have been?'' Sonya shook her head, ''Not even Seb's got a honker THAT big!''

Where should they go next? The museum was huge. They decided on 'European Painting'. One painting which transfixed them both was Vermeer's ''Young Woman with a Water Pitcher''. The colors were so rich, the brass pitcher looked so real, the red carpet on the table looked touchable, the serenity of the woman at the stained glass window, all of it was so peaceful. It was a moment 'frozen in time' of quiet perfection. They both noted the gentle way the sunlight came in through the window. Sonya felt a bit of sardonic glumness, knowing she'd never see it that way any more. The sun was the cruel thing that at best bleached everything white in its presence. But this artist had captured their memories perfectly.

Goldie read the provence notes, ''What? This most magnificent painting only sold for 800 bucks in 1887 or so? Yes, money was different then, but not that much different. Garbage is sold for millions!'' Sonya surmissed, ''You can't tell the worth of a thing by its price, obviously.''

Another picture which elicited comment was Édouard Manet's ''Boating''. A man facing the onlooker and a lady looking off to the side were caught on their weekend relaxation of boating. They could feel the soft breeze and pleasant warmth of the sun. Golden concluded, ''As we age, art shall become increasingly precious to us''

When they moved to examine another painting closely, the ever observant guard got their attention and showed them the exit, for it was now almost closing time. Fortunately, Tommy's crisis had happened on a Friday night, as the museum closed earlier on most days.

Goldie and Sonya tucked into a bathroom, hoping to teleport home. But they felt 'empty'. They knew nothing was going to happen. Sonya ruefully observed, ''We're hungry, that's what!'' Goldie noted her faint feeling and general discontent, ''I can almost hear my unhappy blood bits demanding to be fed. Well, here we are in the really big city, and we've never hunted alone.''

As they entered the cold night air, for which neither had a coat, Sonya complained, ''Tommy and his legions have no doubt drank everything within miles!'' Goldie thought further, ''This city is full of dance bars, from which many 'little drinks' could be had . . .'' Sonya interrupted, ''IF we were old enough to be allowed in. I suppose there's a teen bar somewhere, but we'll have a better chance at 'evildoer'.''

They wandered down the street, inner discontent growing with each minute. Finally, on an off street, they noticed a bum. He may not really have been an evildoer, but their hunger was too great, conscience could wait for later. Together, they shoved him into the shadows. Goldie cringed as she knocked him out with her large, but soft hands. And down their heads went. After the drained body was tossed into a dumpster, they had no better plan, Sonya complained, ''You drank more than half of him!'' Goldie smiled and informed her, ''I am more than double your weight. I have more than double the number of hungry blood bits. I require more blood.'' Sonya withdrew her complaint, agreeing with the 'full-figured' Golden.

With this small meal, could they do the magic trick? Placing hands palm to palm, they concentrated. The blood bits acquiesced and performed the mysterious wonder. Once home, the first thing they did was go to their cows. As they drank and drank, they felt the uncomfortable buzzing discontent within them ease.

What an adventure it had been for the two young ladies!

Go to Chapter 18, NOt Yet Titled!
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